A gem of a place: Jade delightfully fuses Asian flavors

Spacious and stylish, Jade Asian Infused is part lounge, part Zen dining room with flagstone details and comfortable booth seating lining its perimeter. The menu is large, but what's most noticeable is how affordable it is - especially at lunchtime when box lunches ring in at as little as $5.

As the name implies, this strip mall eatery emphasizes a fusion of Asian flavors, from Vietnamese-inspired to Japanese to Korean. Others just go their own way.

We started with the promising gyu-niku roll, pinwheels of barely-seared strip steak filled with caramelized onions and asparagus and topped with Parmesan cheese. A word to the wise: While it's good, don't attempt to eat it sushi-style, as the rolls are too large and the meat just isn't tender enough. For this one, you'll need a knife and fork.

Shrimp and vegetable tempura was a familiar, but delicious counterpart. The breading was light and not at all greasy, and the dish retained its crunch.

Other starters we considered included Sapporo-battered soft-shell crab and five-spice orange duck confit served with steamed buns. To say the least, the appetizer list is long. Coupled with the maki on offer, it'd be easy to just graze.

Speaking of maki, it goes the specialty route here. There's the "salmon obsession" - spicy salmon and Asian slaw topped with Scottish salmon and drizzled with wasabi mayo - as well as the togarashi-seasoned spicy scallop roll and the "Caterpillar" with asparagus, tempura sweet potato, cucumber and cream cheese topped with avocado and finished with teriyaki. Best of all, they're affordable ($6-$9).

Among entrees, we particularly enjoyed the sizzling bulgogi, a mountain of sweetly marinated Korean-style beef and caramelized onions, which comes with a side of fluffy white rice. The grilled but sauce-less lemongrass chicken satay, however, failed to impress because it was bland. Perhaps the Kurobuta wild boar or shrimp on a stick would have fared better?

Whether you're tempted by coconut curry chicken, pan-roasted quail with savory blackberry demi-glace or soy-marinated short ribs with kabocha, sweet potatoes and brandy caramelized onions, there's a little something for everyone who likes Asian flavors.

Despite the generous portions, sides like mushrooms sautéed in oyster sauce, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and garlic spinach augment offerings.

There are sandwiches, too, ranging from a design-your-own Wagyu burger to a crab cake sandwich or spicy tuna topped with wasabi mayo, guacamole and Asian slaw. There's even soy-tinged fajitas with all the trimmings.

The restaurant has a full bar, and drink specials run rampant. If you're coming for cocktails, grab a seat in the comfortable lounge to the right.

Consider the interesting hot and cold tea selection when looking at the dessert menu. We got our sweet fix with a moist take on black forest cake (it's topped with ganache) and refreshingly light green tea sponge cake layered with green tea mousse. Mochi is available in several varieties, too.

As far as neighborhood places go, this one is nice to have around since you can grab a cheap bite as readily as a good, affordable date-worthy meal. As for service, it couldn't be friendlier, and that just adds to the appeal.

<p class="factboxheadblack">Jade Asian Infused</p>

<p class="News">1021 Fountain View Drive, Carol Stream, (630) 668-5233, <a href="http://www.jadeinfused.com" target="new">www.jadeinfused.com</a></p>

<p class="News"><b>Cuisine:</b> Pan-Asian</p>

<p class="News"><b>Setting:</b> Contemporary restaurant and lounge</p>

<p class="News"><b>Entrees:</b> $11 to $32</p>

<p class="News"><b>Hours:</b> Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; dinner 5 to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday</p>